Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
  • C12M23/00—Constructional details, e.g. recesses, hinges
  • C12M23/38—Caps; Covers; Plugs; Pouring means
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
  • C12M35/00—Means for application of stress for stimulating the growth of microorganisms or the generation of fermentation or metabolic products; Means for electroporation or cell fusion
  • C12M35/04—Mechanical means, e.g. sonic waves, stretching forces, pressure or shear stimuli

Definitions

• the invention relates to a device for growing or culturing cells in a can-like container, which has a bottom and at least one lid.
• the disadvantage here is that this method can only be used for small amounts.
• the known system is not particularly suitable for series cultivation or series cultivation of cells.
• no "in vivo" conditions can be achieved and sterility is not ensured.
• the present invention is therefore based on the object of improving a device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that it can be grown in the most varied of ways or culturing of cells can be used, in particular in mass production, whereby "in vivo" conditions and sterility should be achieved as far as possible.
• the cell cultures can be removed from the container without great effort after they have been grown, even without their damage.
• the cells in the container are now "no longer just left to their own devices", but practically an active process is taking place.
• nutrient medium can be supplied continuously or discontinuously and, on the other hand, it is possible to apply pressure to the cell cultures that form. The pressure can even be applied with changing pressure in order to simulate natural conditions as much as possible.
• the cells can be grown or cultivated as separate cell cultures. In the same way, they can also be formed on structures to produce implants.
• the cells in the container according to the invention can also be exposed to shear or compressive forces by appropriate pressurization.
• a wide variety of cell cultures can be cultivated or cultivated in a very universal manner with the device according to the invention.
• the container itself can also be provided with one or two lids in different ways.
• a common connection hole can be provided for the supply of nutrient medium and for its return.
• separate connection bores are also possible, parallel flows or through-flows depending on the arrangement of the connection bores being possible.
• the cell cultures can be removed from the container in a simple manner after their completion.
• the removable cover or base ensures high accessibility.
• the container e.g. the cylindrical container peripheral wall can also be designed to be elastic.
• connection bore or the connection bores can be arranged in one cover or in the presence of two covers in both covers. It is also possible to make the connection bores in the cylindrical middle part emzub ⁇ ngen. The number and arrangement of the connection bores depends on the application and the cells to be grown or cultivated.
• Clamp connections, sealing rings or also threaded connections with internal and external threads can be provided for a tight connection between the cover or covers and the container.
• clamping rings can be applied laterally to the device, which comprise the cover or covers and the container and to which rotary or roller devices can then be attached.
• a wide variety of pressurization directions are possible for pressurizing the interior of the container forming a cell culture space.
• Cylinder / piston elements are suitable, which can also operate in a pulsating manner for changing pressure loads.
• the container can also be designed as a two-chamber system in order to be able to cultivate or grow two different cells or two identical cells separately from one another.
• the lid of the container with a hanging device on which a platform for receiving cells is arranged. This means that one type of cell is grown on the platform, while further cell cultivation can take place on the bottom of the container.
• the container or the cylindrical peripheral wall of the container can also be made porous or gas-permeable, so that in this way also nutrients and / or a gaseous medium, such as e.g. Air or oxygen, can be supplied from this side.
• a gaseous medium such as e.g. Air or oxygen
• FIG. 1 shows a section through a first embodiment of a device with a container and a lid
• FIG. 2 shows a section through a device with a cylindrical middle part and an upper and a lower cover
• FIG. 3 shows a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 2, an inlet connection and a return connection being arranged in the upper cover; 4 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• FIG. 5 shows a device according to the invention with an upper cover and a lower cover, each with an external thread and a cylindrical ring-shaped central part with an internal thread;
• FIG. 6 shows an embodiment with extension rings on an upper cover and a lower cover
• FIG. 7 shows a configuration similar to that of FIG. 6 with a clamp connection
• FIGS. 6 and 7 shows a configuration similar to that in FIGS. 6 and 7 with threaded connections
• FIG. 10 shows an embodiment similar to the embodiment according to FIG. 9 with a pressurizing device
• FIG. 11 shows an embodiment with a hanging device in the upper cover, with a cylindrical middle part and a lower cover;
• FIG. 12 shows a configuration similar to FIG. 11 in a somewhat simple form with only one upper cover; 13 shows an embodiment with a pressure force generated by magnetic forces;
• 13a, 13b and 13c different thrust washer profiles
• 13d shows a mineral matrix for bone replacement as a support structure with two pressure disks
• FIG. 16 shows a configuration similar to the configuration discussed in FIG. 15;
• FIG. 17 shows a further configuration similar to that in FIGS. 15 and 16;
• FIG. 20 shows a configuration similar to that in FIG. 19.
• FIG. 1 which shows the basic configuration of the device according to the invention
• a container 1 is provided which is provided with an external thread 2.
• a lid 3 with an internal thread 4 is screwed on, with a sealing ring 5 for a pressure-tight closure of a cell culture space 6 for cells 7 provided in the interior of the container 1.
• An inlet connection bore 8 and a return connection bore 9 are provided in the cover 3 in order to introduce nutrient medium and possibly also oxygen into the cell culture chamber 6 via corresponding line or hose connections.
• an insert 10 can be provided in the container 1 so that the cells 7 to be cultivated or grown can be inserted and removed more easily.
• flanges, bevels 11 or the like can also be used, which are provided in the upper region of the insert 10 for easier removal and easier insertion.
• the insert 10 shown only in FIG. 1 can of course also be provided in the same or similar manner in the other exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the container 1 forms a cylindrical middle part which can be closed off with the upper cover 3 in the same way as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1.
• a further lower lid 12 is provided, which forms the bottom of the container and which also has an internal thread 4, which cooperates with the external thread 2 of the central part, in which case the central part is provided with two external threads 2, unless one continuous thread is provided.
• supply and return connection bores 8 and 9 are provided in both covers 3 and 12.
• FIG. 3 shows a configuration similar to that of FIG. 2, with an inlet connection bore 8 and a return connection bore 9 being arranged only in the upper cover 3. 2, sealing rings 5 are provided on both end faces of the cylindrical central part of the container.
• Fig. 4 shows an embodiment, wherein the cylindrical middle part is provided as a container 1 with an internal thread 2 ', which cooperates with an external thread 4' of the upper cover 3 and the lower cover 12. Again, 1 sealing rings 5 are provided on both end faces of the container. In this case there is an inlet connection bore 8 in the upper cover 3 and a return connection bore 9 in the lower cover 12.
• FIG. 5 shows a configuration similar to that of FIG. 4. The main difference is only that the inlet connection bore 8 and the return connection bore 9 are arranged opposite one another in the cylindrical central part of the container 1.
• both covers 3 and 12 each have an external thread 4 ', which interacts with internal threads 2' of the container 1.
• both covers 3 and 12 are provided with radial extensions 13, from the outer ends of which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container 1 towards the container 1 or axially directed extension rings 14.
• the extension rings 14 enclose the outer wall of the container 1 and together with additional sealing rings 5 'represent a pressure-tight seal for the cell culture chamber 6.
• the upper cover 3 is provided with a common connection bore 8, 9 for the supply and return of nutrient medium.
• Fig. 7 shows a similar embodiment to Fig. 6. The only difference is that instead of a threaded connection 2 ', 4' a pressure-tight seal of the cell culture chamber 6 is created by clamping connections between the extension rings 14 and the outer wall of the container 1.
• Fig. 8 shows an embodiment, similar to those of FIGS. 6 and 7. The main difference is that the threaded connection between the container 1 and the lids 3 and 12 is formed by internal threads 4 'in the extension rings 14, which with external threads 2 1 cooperate in the container. 1
• FIG. 9 shows an embodiment with a container 1 and an upper cover 3, similar to the embodiment according to FIG. 8, wherein instead of a common connection bore 8, 9 for the supply and removal of nutrient medium in the peripheral wall of the container 1 Inlet connection bore 8 and a return connection bore 9 are arranged.
• Fig. 9 shows two lateral clamping rings 15, which are pushed around the can-shaped container 1 and the lid 3 in the direction of the arrow to the unit of container 1 and lid 3 by a rotating or rolling device, not shown, about the transverse axis in the direction of arrow 16 spin or roll.
• FIG. 10 shows a configuration similar to that in FIG. 9. In this case, a separate cell culture space 6 is formed in the interior of the container 1. Instead of a cell culture room 6, a structure can also be provided on which the cells 7 are grown. In this case, the separate cell culture chamber 6 or the structure is pressurized via a pressurizing device 17 in the form of a cylinder / piston unit.
• the inlet connection bore 8 opens into a piston chamber 18 of the cylinder / piston unit 17 and can be shut off in the input area by a check valve 19.
• a piston 20 of the cylinder / piston unit 17 pressurizes the nutrient medium introduced via the inlet connection bore 8, this pressure continuing into the interior of the container 1.
• a discharge of nutrient medium takes place via a return connection bore 9 on the side of the container 1 opposite the inlet. If you want to put the interior of the container 1 accordingly under an overpressure, which can possibly be changing, you will throttle the return of nutrient medium in this case or shut off the return port bore 9 accordingly.
• a separate bore can also be provided for this purpose in one of the two lids 3 or 12 or in the peripheral wall of the container 1.
• the interior of the container 1 and thus the cell culture space 6 can also be pressurized accordingly by gas, for example air.
• 11 shows an embodiment with an upper cover 3 and a lower cover 12 and a cylindrical ring-shaped central part of a container 1.
• the upper cover 3 is provided with a hanging device in the form of a plurality of rods 21 distributed over the circumference, which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container 1 into the interior of the container 1.
• a platform 22 is attached, on which the cells 7 to be cultivated or grown are arranged.
• the inlet connection bore 8 and the return connection bore 9 can each be arranged in the peripheral wall of the container 1. Of course, however, an arrangement in one of the two lids 3 or 12 is also possible, as is indicated by dashed lines. Of course, separate connection bores for inlet and outlet are also possible here.
• the advantage of the embodiment with the hanging device through the rods 21 is that the cells 7 can be inserted and removed from the container 1 more easily in this way.
• connection of the rods 21 to the platform 22 can also be releasable if necessary. Solvability can e.g. done by a clip connection, which also easier handling for the device is achieved.
• FIG. 12 shows an embodiment that is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11. As can be seen, it only has an upper lid 3 and a container 1 with a bottom 23, as is also present in the other embodiments with only one lid 3.
• the platform 22 is in this case also connected via rods 21 to the upper cover 3.
• a further advantage of the embodiments according to FIGS. 11 and 12 is that on the container bottom 23 or the inside of the lid 12 there is an additional possibility for culturing or culturing cells 7. In this way, a two-chamber system for the cultivation of two cell cultures is created.
• nutrient medium can of course also be permanently introduced into the container 1 and the inlet connection bores 8 and the return connection bores 9 then serve only for the oxygen supply.
• connection bores for oxygen and nutrient medium it is also possible to provide separate connection bores for oxygen and nutrient medium.
• the platform 22 can be designed as a fixed unit. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a membrane, e.g. a porous membrane to be provided, which allows oxygen to flow through.
• a membrane e.g. a porous membrane to be provided, which allows oxygen to flow through.
• FIGS. 13 to 20 describe further refinements of the invention, the basic structure of the device having the container 1 and the two lids 3, 12 and / or the base 23 having been retained, which is why for the sake of simplicity only the essential reference symbols in the following described figures have been adopted.
• 13 shows a container in which a magnetic device 24, for example a magnetic coil through which current flows, is installed in the region of the upper cover 3. Under the magnet device 24 there is a magnetizable pressure disk 25 which is elastically connected to the container 1 in a manner not shown.
• FIG. 13 a shows a top view of the profile of a pressure disk 25, small openings 26 being provided so that culture medium, which is located inside the container 1, can pass through.
• 13b and 13c show alternative pressure disks 25 in network structure or lattice structure form so that culture medium can pass through.
• the magnetic coil can also be arranged as a magnetic device 24 outside the cover 3 above the latter.
• the cover 3 must of course consist of non-magnetizable material, e.g. Plastic.
• appropriately large magnetic devices 24 can be provided and thus correspondingly high compressive forces can be generated.
• 13d shows an embodiment of an implant, cartilage profiles 27 being arranged on a mineral matrix for bone replacement as support structure 27a.
• the mineral matrix can be, for example, a bone structure, for example made of calcium phosphate.
• the mineral matrix can also have other profiles, such as are required as implants, e.g. Joint structures. Of course, you can also deviate from the circular shape. The same applies in principle to container 1.
• expandable elements 28 which axially shift a plate 29, which is movably arranged in the container 1 or the cover 3, similar to the pressure disks 25, and can thus exert alternating pressure forces on the cells 7.
• expandable elements e.g. so-called memory metals or plastics are used, which deform and return to the old form. So there is e.g. also plastics that can expand due to electrical changes.
• Elements with a memory function react e.g. to certain temperatures or to ultrasound irradiation and in this way change their position, with which they produce a movement of the plate 30.
• Spring devices are also possible, as are motors with accumulators or batteries.
• the 15 also shows an internal pressurization of cells 7 by a hydraulic or pneumatic device 30 which is arranged in the container 1 or in the lid 3.
• the device 30 has a movable film, plate or membrane 31 behind which a hydraulic fluid or a gas is located as a fluid.
• the hydraulic fluid or the gaseous medium is acted upon by a pressure device P, not shown in detail, with changing pressure, with which changing pressure loads are exerted on the cells 7.
• a balloon can also be used if necessary, in order to provide a greater possibility of variation.
• all the walls of the container can be enclosed on the inside by such a bag or balloon, with the implant or the cell cultures being located inside. In this way, an alternating pressure load is exerted on all sides.
• FIG. 17 also shows a configuration similar to that in FIG. 16, the sealing between the upper cover 3 and the lower cover 12 being effected by sealing rings 33 and 34.
• FIG. 18 An embodiment is shown in FIG. 18, the bottom of the container being formed by a gas-permeable membrane 35, for example made of PTFE or silicone. It is important that oxygen can enter the container 1 through the membrane 35.
• an implant that grows inside the container can be removed in a simple manner.
• Such an embodiment is suitable, for example, to allow epidermis 36, ie the upper layer of a skin, to grow on membrane 35.
• the cells get air through the gas-permeable membrane 35.
• the goal is to let the cells grow from the bottom up.
• a dermis 37 is then applied over it, the cells being stored or cast in a collagen structure or in fibrin. From the top or from the dermis 37 there is a clean room 38 in which air, oxygen and / or carbon dioxide is introduced. Pressurization is also possible here.
• a cover structure 39 can be placed or screwed tightly on the underside if necessary.
• the inside of the container can be provided with a removable film 40 for transplantation.
• the covering structure 39 is removed and the film 40 is then pulled off like a kind of plaster.
• the implant can be easily removed and then used.
• the dermis 37 then lies in the correct position on the wound and the epidermis 36, when the film is removed, on the outside.
• FIG. 19 shows a configuration similar to that in FIG. 18.
• a multi-chamber system is formed with an upper chamber 41, a middle chamber 42 and a lower chamber 43. Separate inlets and outlets can be provided for all three chambers 41, 42, 43.
• the epidermis 36 can be arranged in the chamber 41, the dermis 38 in the chamber 42 and the lower chamber 43 serves to supply air or oxygen.
• nutrient medium can be introduced into the chamber 41.
• oxygen or air can be introduced into the chamber 41 so that the epidermal cells 36 are kept in a dry environment and can then dry out and cornify.
• the upper skin layer is then formed in this way. If you then want to implant the whole thing, you can easily open the container and remove the implant.
• a porous support or membrane 44 can be provided on the underside, which represents the separation between the chamber 42 and the chamber 43.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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Citations (8)

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• 2002
  • 2002-01-15 DE DE10201259A patent/DE10201259A1/de not_active Withdrawn
• 2003
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  • 2003-01-11 EP EP07016403A patent/EP1857539B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
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  • 2003-01-11 WO PCT/EP2003/000211 patent/WO2003060055A2/de active IP Right Grant
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